Monthly Archives: July 2011

The new Monitor Audio Gold GX is a completely new ‘ground up’ design featuring advanced driver technologies and materials, amalgamated to form a real world, yet truly esoteric speaker range.

Attention to detail is evident in every component part, being made from only the finest materials, cast and machined to exacting tolerances. All cabinets are hand built using multiple laminations of MDF, and then hot pressed to form a rigid shell. Whilst being incredibly rigid, and as a result stronger, the curved panels also reduce standing waves, eliminating un-wanted sound from being reflected back. The result is a perfect, life-like midrange character, without a hint of unwanted resonances.

Radial internal braces, aided by single bolt-through driver technology enhance cabinet rigidity by providing additional front to back bracing, whilst maintaining consistent tension for the driver. This in turn reduces excessive vibration from the driver and cabinet together, ensuring lower coloration across the entire frequency spectrum.

Developed from the renowned C-CAM material, the new ribbed RST cone profile has been developed to give incredible rigidity and lowest possible mass, resulting in a stiffer cone and significant reduction in break up modes, exhibiting a much purer sound overall.

Sturdy die-cast alloy chassis have been designed with improved venting properties to keep the driver cool as well as reduce internal pressure, with the ability to play louder and with lower distortion than previous driver designs. HiVe port technology is employed for better transient response and tighter bass – due to smoother air-flow.

The newly design C-CAM Ribbon H.F (High Frequency) transducer has been employed to propel high frequencies to well beyond 60 KHz, at least two octaves beyond the threshold of human hearing. This means subtle nuances and harmonic content present in high definition 24 bit/192KHz recordings to ensure the full audio experience is faithfully conveyed, as intended. The ribbon transducer possesses no break up modes, so the sound is crystal clear without a hint of distortion and is far superior to any dome tweeter design ever produced. Ribbon technology is much different and since there is no voice coil, the moving diaphragm is incredibly light, responding instantly to the smallest level of detail.

Not happy with manufacturer specifications, Monitor Audio engineers spent many hours evaluating and listening to crossover components, selecting those in the end which simply sound the best. Polypropylene film capacitors, air core and laminated steel core inductors have been utilized to maintain the best possible signal integrity. Each crossover is then mounted on a separate panel which is accessible from the underside of the speaker. High quality gold plated terminals are easily accessible and mounted to a very sturdy die-cast alloy terminal panel, placed low down on the cabinet to make placement and connection simple, particularly on the floor-standing models. Silver plated cable is used for bi-wire links with spade terminations to ensure very low contact resistance and the best possible contact reliability. Pureflow silver internal cabling insures best signal conductivity.

Beautiful Piano finish cabinets feature no less than 11 layers of lacquer with painstaking hand polishing to obtain the perfect mirror shine, whilst the real wood finish cabinets are hand veneered after the cabinet is made using very traditional craftsmanship; this ensures precise grain matching on every pair. The beautiful grain definition and rich color variations of Bubinga and modern Walnut blend with any interior style or décor.

Stylish magnetic grilles have no visible fixings and provide clean overall visuals, adding to the simplicity and refinement of the classy overall appearance. Base plinths for the GX200 and GX300 are die-cast from metal alloy to provide a very sturdy and rigid foundation. Machined metal adjustable spiked feet are used on the GX200/300 and floor-stand, hand milled to meticulous quality standards. Solid ‘bullet’ spikes are also hand machined from hi-tensile steel and chrome plated to a fine finish for use on carpeted floors. Non slip rubber pads are provided for use on hard or solid wood flooring.

Raysonic, a Canadian (Toronto) based audio product company, has just introduced their new CD128D (image is of the current CD128). The CD128D leverages the current CD128 models design but incorporates new digital connectivity features i.e. a USB and digital input, to meet the growing trend in digital based music.

The Raysonic CD128D has been styled to achieve both a modern and elegant appearance. Build quality continues to be a focus of Raysonic, with the objective of meeting or exceeding current competitive audiophile products.

The CD128D strives to raise the bar in term of performance in the areas of musicality, clarity, natural warmth and dynamic contrast.

The AD1955 decoder used in CD128D is a complete, high performance, single chip stereo digital audio playback system comprised of a multi-bit sigma-delta modulator, digital interpolation filters and a continuous-time differential current output DAC section.

Brunoco Audio Inc., based out of Vancouver, Canada is set to launch their new DIVA digital integrated amplifier 24bit / 192kHz DAC. DIVA takes a SACD quality music source that is delivered by a computer, iPod/iPhone, CD player, set-top box, etc. via a digital input and processes the signal using a state-of-the-art DAC up to 24bit/192kHz. Once processed, the signal is then digitally amplified in a pure digital format until it is finally converted to an analog waveform, just before reaching the speakers.

The DIVA has been is equipped with proprietary digital technology that is meant to enable the compact amplifier to be able to drive demanding modern speakers. Also integrated in the process is powerful 24 band digital equalizer, which can cater to the users musical preferences like classical, jazz, rock, theater, etc. as well as for near field listening, room adjustments etc. Since the digital equalization is applied in a full digital manner, it promises not to contaminate the original signal.

The 24 volt external linear analog power supply is used, rather than a SMPS (switching mode power supply), to ensure musicality. A separate transformer supplies current to the circuit and oversized reservoir capacitors are used to ensure rich, pleasant sound.

DIVA will be available to purchase through the Brunoco website in September 2011 at an expected MSRP of $800 CDN.

Bank & Olufsen (B&O) has just launched their new BeoSound 5 Encore, which sits as the little brother to their BeoSound 5. The BeoSound 5 Encore is a digital music system that allows for easy navigation of a digital music library and access to internet radio stations. With consumers growing digital music libraries comes the need for an easy plug-n-play solution to navigate and access these collections. The BeoSound 5 Encore is B&O’s answer to that need, incorporating a graphical user interface and promised simple operation. It can be used as a stand-alone audio system or in a multi-source/multi-room application.

BeoSound 5 Encore offers easy access to more than 13,000 internet radio stations from all over the world, and with every possible genre and language represented. B&O continually monitors and updates the stations, to ensure quality.

The BeoSound 5 Encore can also browse and play music from multiple sources, such as: a connected hard disc, a NAS server, a computer, a USB stick or a handheld device and supports music in lossless quality.

The BeoSound 5 Encore can enable the user to simplify their physical, CD-based music collection. With the Encore connected to B&O speakers, it can work as your primary music system connected to the internet (either wired or wirelessly) with access to internet radio and music on a server, or a USB connected hard disc. Additionally, it can also act as an access point for your secondary music devices.

Up to eight Encores can be connected to the same server, with the added benefit of being able to play different music content in different rooms at the same times

BeoSound 5 Encore features a 10.4″ full graphical display and a magical wheel that easily scrolls through even the greatest of music collections at the spin of a finger. With a number of different options for wall, table or floor placement, BeoSound 5 Encore will easily fit into any home decor. Additionally, it has been specially designed with permanent sockets hidden for concealed and elegant cabling. Also, sockets for temporary devices such as USB sticks, portable players or headphones are easily accessible below the display.

The Encore incorporates B&Os patented MOTS ‘More of the Same’ algorithm, which captures the unique musical identity of a track and then builds a playlist of similar music — based on parameters such as sound, dynamics, and rhythmic aspects of a particular track. MOTS automatically generates a playlist when the user accesses the content of a USB or WLAN/LAN connected device. Additionally, the customer can select a particular favorite playlist offered by MOTS, by simply saving the track initially selected, and then the customer can listen to the specific playlist whenever desired.

With the new software comes the possibility for smartphone users to push content wirelessly onto their BeoSound 5, allowing the customer to browse music content directly on via the BeoSound 5 interface, while enjoying it through connected B&O loudspeakers. Customers who own an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch can also benefit from the new BeoSound 5 software update.

The B&O BeoSound 5 Encore is available this August 2011 for $3,350.00 U.S.

Onkyo is continuing to embrace the latest technology and convergence in home entertainment with the announcement of its first application for the Android mobile platform. Onkyo’s Remote App for Android will allow owners to integrate wireless audio from an Android-based device into their Onkyo home theatre system, and provides a range of remote control functions.

Operating over a wireless local network, the application will allow Onkyo owners to stream music stored on an Android device to an Onkyo network audio system. Music played through an Onkyo system gains far greater power and fidelity.

Users will be able to browse networked content without needing to view on-screen menus on a connected display. Instead, they will use the touch-screen GUI on their Android device to navigate menus and control a variety of functions, such as selecting the input source or adjusting the volume and tone. Furthermore, users will be able to control output in individual zones in a multi-room distributed audio set-up.

Available in August as a free download from the Android market, the Remote App for Android will be compatible with all of Onkyo’s network A/V receivers released in 2011, as well as with the TX-8050 stereo network receiver.

There is no shortage of high quality iPod/iPhone docks on the market today. Monitor Audio has just joined the ranks of other companies to offer products in this category with the introduction of the i-deck, a stylish and compact high quality sound system for iPods/iPhones.

Available in two models, the i-deck 100 and i-deck 200 (which also have a digital audio out) are compatible with iPods/iPhones through a flexible dock connector. The i-deck’s imaginative design follows the purest acoustic principles refined by Monitor Audio over four decades. It includes breakthrough technologies like precision-engineered C-CAM alloy drivers, APC and BLM. The i-deck’s are endowed with the build and aesthetic quality that’s won the brand acclaim around the world.

i-deck Design Highlights:

2-way system configuration – Simple and effective like the very best high end loudspeakers.

B&W has announced their new CI300 series (an entry-level in-wall line), together with their new ISW-3 subwoofer.

There are three new CI 300 series models: CCM362: in-ceiling, 6-inch polypropylene cone driver and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter; CCM382: in-ceiling 8-inch polypropylene cone driver and 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and; the CWM362: in-wall two-way speaker that uses the same drivers as the CCM362.

The CI300 models feature the same thin bezeled frame as the CI600 models, and the ceiling models can be used with optional square grille adapters designed to match popular in-ceiling lighting designs. Swing-out dogs and spring-clip wire terminals keep installation simple and easy.

The CI300 models have high moisture resistance for use in bathrooms etc. The CCM362 is only 3.2″ deep, and the CWM362 is 3″ deep, to fit in 3″ stud bays.

The new ISW-3 subwoofer features a unique forward-facing vent with a slotted grille that allows for installation into millwork and kitchen cabinets while venting through the base or toe kick, or it can be installed in walls, floors, or ceilings.

The subwoofer’s two 6.5″ long-throw drivers vent through a 2 x 12″ HVAC-type slot. The balanced driver design effectively eliminates mechanical energy transmitted to the enclosure. The ISW-3 can vent directly through its slot facing forward, at which point it is only 9.25″ deep (by 18.5? tall), or it can used with a unique right angle adaptor for placement on its face, taking up minimal height inside a cabinet. Placement choice is optional depending on the installation requirement. It is only 13” wide, designed to fit within many truss-style joists.

The ISW-3 is powered by a MkII version of the existing SA-250 rack mount amplifier. The SA-250MkII offers an external EQ switch setting plus a stereo summing input for distributed audio applications. A single SA-250MkII can power two ISW-3.

With usable bass output to 21Hz, the ISW-3 should prove to be worthy of be termed as a true subwoofer.

The CCM362 ($300 U.S./pr); CCM382 ($400 U.S./pr); CWM362 ($400 U.S./pr) and the ISW-3 and SA-250MkII will be available in mid-summer 2011, for $1,000 U.S. each.

Lenovo has just jumped on the tablet bandwagon by announcing its first tablets – the IdeaPad Tablet K1 for consumers, the ThinkPad Tablet for business customers, and the IdeaPad Tablet P1 for home and office use. The new Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 and ThinkPad Tablets are the company’s first mobile internet devices featuring the Android 3.1 platform, and the IdeaPad Tablet K1 is the industry’s first Android-powered tablet certified to deliver Netflix video streaming. The Android-powered Lenovo tablets also provide access to more than 250,000 apps in Android Market as well as apps tested for the Lenovo device in the Lenovo App Shop.

As the first Honeycomb tablets certified for Netflix, Lenovo tablets can help turn every night into “movie night.” With HDMI output and Digital Rights Management (DRM) built directly into the IdeaPad and ThinkPad tablets, Netflix members can instantly watch movies and TV shows streaming from Netflix directly to a big screen TV,

The Android-powered Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 is preloaded with more than 40 apps from partners like Netflix, Amazon, Adobe, Electronic Arts, Rovio, Zinio, Dataviz, and others (over $50 in value), including favorites like Need for SpeedShift, Angry Birds, Kindle reading app and Documents to Go.

Users can browse all websites and watch online videos with ease thanks to Adobe Flash Player 10.3. Plus, with DRM, they can rent movies in every available format. At a later date shortly after launch, users will also be able to both rent or buy movies to play off-line with a new application Lenovo will pre-load.

Users can access an entire network of friends and social sites all in one place, with Lenovo’s exclusive SocialTouch app, which effectively creates a one-stop social connection. And since one picture is still worth a thousand words, the Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 comes with a two-megapixel front-facing and a five-megapixel rear-facing webcam.

Users can watch movies and videos in breathtaking HD on a 1280 X 800 resolution screen. The mini HDMI connection allows up to 1080p HD viewing when connected to an HDTV or monitor, resulting in a powerful visual experience.

Users can sync, store and share files, music and photos with more integrated cloud storage, and less reliance on their local storage.

ThinkPad Tablet

The ThinkPad Tablet combines the superior media and entertainment experience of the IdeaPad Tablet K1 with the security, reliability and manageability features ThinkPad is known for, to create the first true business-class tablet. Designed as a companion computing device for professionals on the go, the ThinkPad Tablet includes an optional digitizer pen, a full-size USB port, full-size SD card slot, and mini-HDMI for connecting to external projectors and displays, as well as an optional ThinkPad quality Keyboard Folio Case with optical TrackPoint.

Data remains safe on the ThinkPad Tablet with layered data security, and the device is easily supported by IT managers thanks to a suite of business partner solutions that include anti-theft software and the ability to disable the tablet if the device is lost or stolen with Computrace. Additional security features include virtual desktop support support with Citrix Receiver, simple zero-touch deployment with LanDesk and secure email support available from Good Technology.

Offering a 10.1” WXGA (1280×800) display weighing a mere 1.65 lbs, the ThinkPad Tablet also comes with an IPS display for a 178-degree viewing angle and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. This business-class device keeps professionals connected, productive and entertained while they’re away from the office and their home.

When work happens on the go, ThinkPad Tablet allows users to view and edit Microsoft Office documents with the preloaded Documents to Go app by DataViz. Or they can jot down notes that automatically convert to handwritten text with the optional ThinkPad Tablet Pen. When even more versatility is required, users can plug in the Keyboard Folio for fast, comfortable and accurate typing and mouse control.

With WiFi connectivity, 2GB of free cloud storage, a standard size USB port and SD Card Reader, and Lenovo’s unique file copy utility, sharing media files and documents with other people and electronic devices is easy. Presentations may look even better when connecting to an external monitor via the built-in mini-HDMI port. Users can conveniently sync key files and folders with their tablet every time they plug into their Windows 7 PC. With apps like ooVoo, dual cameras allow users to show either themselves or what they are looking at in a video conference. Users can keep in touch with friends and business contacts using Lenovo’s exclusive SocialTouch app, which puts social networks, email, and calendar notices all in one easy-to-use interface.

ThinkPad Tablet can connect to a range of devices and networks without hands-on help from IT administrators. Users can utilize corporate network passwords to access their device and connect to corporate email with the specially certified app, Good for Enterprise. IT managers can easily create access unique corporate preloads from the Lenovo Image Technology Center as well as share and distribute company purchased or developed apps to numerous devices through a custom, corporate-controlled app store. Most importantly, users will have the ability to protect confidential data with robust security features including SD card encryption, lost device disablement and anti-theft software.

Get solid protection: ThinkPad Tablet customers will have access to Lenovo’s full portfolio of enterprise-level services, such as ThinkPlus Support, which provides business customers direct access to advanced technicians with tablet specific experience, and Tablet Protection, which gives business customers coverage for non-warranted damage from operational and structural damage due to drops, minor spills, electrical surges and other accidental damage incurred under normal operating conditions. In addition, Lenovo’s Imaging Services help save IT departments from having to do custom images for each machine, and ensures that even with flash images, the warranty is protected and the tablet is ready-to-go right out-of-the-box.

IdeaPad Tablet P1 with Windows 7

Lenovo’s 10.1” IdeaPad Tablet P1 with Microsoft Windows 7 features a 1.5GHz Intel processor so users can be more productive with Office documents, or get creative with photos while on the move.

The IdeaPad Tablet P1 boasts a multitouch touchscreen display and optional stylus pen for added flexibility, easy access to Web content thanks to full Adobe Flash Player support and HD playback, and Microsoft Security Essentials for an extra layer of security. At just 14.5mm thin and weighing less than 2lbs, the IdeaPad Tablet P1 with Windows 7 offers portability, power and versatility for the office, in the home and on-the-go.

Lenovo App Shop

In addition to the hundreds of thousands of apps available in Android Market, IdeaPad Tablet K1 and ThinkPad Tablet users have access to apps in the Lenovo App Shop — a unique app marketplace, which features popular applications that have been tested specifically for Lenovo IdeaPad and ThinkPad Tablets. The Lenovo App Shop offers apps within a broad range of categories including music, movies, books, productivity, social networking, weather, printing and more.

The Lenovo App Shop will also support enterprise applications and a private corporate application store to help businesses more easily integrate tablets into their daily operations. In addition, Lenovo will offer country-specific applications, currency, and languages.

Pricing and Availability

The 32GB model IdeaPad Tablet K1 is priced at $499, and can be ordered in the U.S. starting July 20, 2011, through select business partners and retail stores nationwide, or online at www.lenovo.com/tablets.

The product will be available in the U.S. in August 2011 and available worldwide during the third quarter 2011.

The 16GB ThinkPad Tablet is priced at $479 without the digitizer pen, and at $509 including the digitizer pen, for Wi-Fi models. The 32GB ThinkPad Tablet (Wi-Fi model) with digitizer pen is $589. There is also an optional keyboard portfolio carrying case available for $99. At a later date, shortly after launch, ThinkPad Tablets with 3G will become available. ThinkPad Tablet can be ordered in the U.S. starting August 2, 2011, online at www.lenovo.com/tablets, or through business partners nationwide. The product will be generally available in the U.S. in August 2011 and generally available worldwide during the third quarter 2011.

Sonos, Inc., a manufacturer of wireless music systems has just introduced their PLAY:3. The PLAY:3 is a compact, all-in-one Sonos player. The PLAY:3 can be utilized to build a wireless steaming network and can be wirelessly controlled via free Sonos Controller Apps for Android, iPhone and iPad. PLAY:3 is a small portable device that allows for both vertical and horizontal placement.

PLAY:3 connects to the Internet, giving access to unlimited music and you can play your entire digital music library, including iTunes stored on any computer or Network Attached storage, such as an Apple Time Capsule. Over 100,000 radio stations, shows and podcasts for free, can be accessed via the PLAY: 3. In addition, the PLAY:3 will work with most popular music streaming services e.g. AUPEO, iheartradio, Last.fm, MOG, Napster, Pandora, Rdio, Rhapsody, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Spotify, Stitcher SmartRadio, TuneIn, Wolfgang’s Vault etc.

PLAY:3 has been designed to offer a simple set up and easy expansion with compatible Sonos products. One Sonos player or SONOS BRIDGE (sold separately) must be connected to your router to allow all other Sonos players to work wirelessly. To play music in more rooms, another PLAY:3 can be added.

The PLAY:3 can be controlled using a free Sonos Controller Apps for Android, iPhone and iPad. PLAY:3 also includes the free Sonos Controller for Mac or PC. Or you can let everyone in the house share the control with the dedicated SONOS CONTROL (sold separately).

Looking at this DAC make me think of a line from a sci-fi TV series of yesteryear i.e. “BY YOUR COMMAND”. If you don’t recall where the line comes from – look it up – I’m sure you’ll agree.

NuForce is now shipping their previously announced DAC-9 Digital-to-Analog Converter, Preamplifier and Headphone Amplifier. The DAC-9 provides six digital inputs, each feeding a pair of high-performance, non-over-sampling DACs (up to 24-bit/96kHz). The output of the two DACs’ is combined to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, which is claimed to be reach near theoretical limits. The signal is then channelled through to a proprietary Passive IV digital output filter. With the intention of maximizing the response smoothness, the high-frequency phase coherence of which is maintained consistently. Helping to provide some future-proofing, a USB plug-in module / interface is incorporated to allow for the future upgrade to a higher bit-rate performance.

Once the DAC-09 converts the digital signal to analogue, it is passed through to a a minimalist preamplifier stage that does not use negative feedback. The shortest possible signal paths, lowest-noise components and circuit layouts obtain throughout. When the user selects the Fixed Mode Output, a mechanical relay bypasses the DAC-9’s digitally controlled volume attenuator, further enhancing straight-wire-with-gain performance characteristics.

The DAC-9 provides a fully independent headphone stage with its own analog volume control and both 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks for added convenience as well as to ensure greater signal purity.

The NuForce DAC-9 is now available worldwide ins both silver and black for $1,695 U.S.